On-loan Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford has been offered a new five-year contract by parent club Chelsea, according to The Times.
The England Under-21 international is currently playing for Boro in the Championship play-offs as they seek to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Bamford, aged 21, has clearly impressed the Stamford Bridge hierarchy during his time at the Riverside Stadium and they are now reportedly keen to tie him down to a long-term contract.
After Bamford’s 17 goals in 38 league games for Boro saw him named Championship Player of the Year this season, there has been considerable interest in the youngster. Today’s report suggests that Chelsea’s contract offer is aimed at seeing off attention from Everton, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
Despite his exploits and the Blues’ eagerness to offer a new deal, Bamford is unlikely to break into Jose Mourinho’s first-team next season. A season-long loan move to a Premier League rival looks like the most likely option.
The best outcome for Chelsea, Boro and Bamford is that the Teessiders secure promotion and spend another season under Mourinho ally Aitor Karanka.
